Earlier this year, Salud Tacos made headlines when it abruptly closed its Barrio Logan location after nearly a decade of serving the community. Launched by Ernest Becerra's San Diego Taco Company, Salud Tacos began as a catering cart, eventually opening its first brick-and-mortar in Barrio Logan in 2015. Despite later expansions to Las Vegas and National City, all branches have since closed.
Following these closures, the Becerra family took over the 5,766-square-foot Mission Gorge building that once housed Tio Leo's flagship location, which shuttered late last year after more than 40 years in business. Following an extensive remodel, Ernest Becerra, his son Vincent, and Angelina Luna have officially opened La Familia Restaurant & Bar. This new venture offers a blend of classic Mexican dishes, Salud-style tacos, Mexican street food, weekend brunch, handcrafted cocktails, and local craft beers.
"At La Familia, we blend nostalgic flavors with a soulful culinary approach, creating a relaxed dining experience that celebrates family, community, and the essence of Mexican hospitality," the founders shared. "With our vintage sound system & classic vinyl spinning, we aim to create an ambiance that’s alive with rhythm, turning every visit into a cherished memory. Welcome to La Familia—welcome to our family."
Dinner service runs daily from 3-10 pm, featuring appetizers, soups, salads, combination platters, and entrées. Highlights include Chile Colorado, a rich steak dish in a dark, spiced sauce; Cochinita Pibil, marinated pork cooked in banana leaves and served with pickled onions; and The Taco Shop Burger, with crispy bacon, roasted poblanos, melted cheese, and signature sauce on a brioche bun. Weekend brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm, offering favorites like chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and pozole.
La Familia also boasts The Bar Room, a nighttime lounge akin to the family's La Bamba Room, which closed along with Salud. Featured specialty cocktails include Ani’s Guey or No Way, with gin, peach liqueur, lemon, and orgeat; and One Night of Sin, a blend of tequila, lime, ginger, cucumber, and a mezcal float. Happy hour runs from Tuesday to Friday and there is also a nighttime happy hour with taco specials.
Meanwhile, the former Salud Tacos space in Barrio Logan has been transformed into Todo Pa' La Cruda, a new eatery offering a hearty menu including menudo, caldo de mariscos, scratch-made pozole verde, and more.
La Familia Restaurant & Bar is now open at 6333 Mission Gorge Road in San Diego's Mission Gorge/Grantville area. For more information, follow La Familia on Instagram.
